Leaves
One of 2002’s most hotly-tipped bands certainly didn’t seem to begin from extravagant allowances. Leaves’ original demos arose from lead-singer/guitarist Arnar Gudjonsson’s home-recorded efforts – laid down on a computer, the vocals of which had to be whispered into the mix, so as to not avoid the waking up of his parents. Despite this, however, three original tracks from these initial, ahem, ‘sessions’, made it through to release on the quartet’s debut single – ‘Breathe’, in the January of this year. Its limited-edition batch sold out within its first week on sale.
Prior to, during and since this time, Leaves have been establishing their name on the UK gig-circuit as one of the most consistent and ‘must-see’ live-acts of our time. Whether it’s from Gudjonsson’s compelling, rich voice, via guitarist Arnar Olafsson’s distinctively epic fret-board wizardry, or through to bassist Hallur or drummer Bjarni Grimsson’s inimitable, driving instrumental-techniques, the Leaves experience melds the best parts of Radiohead’s vision for beautiful and haunting melodies with the unusual dynamics that truly make a band so warmly different and unlike everybody else.
Their time in music so far has already prompted tours with The Bluetones, The Coral, Doves, Electric Soft Parade and a hometown show with The Strokes – though this is just the beginning. With the first album on its way very shortly, and a second single, ‘Race’ – complete with the obligatory avant-garde video – out now, things are aligning themselves up for a very special 12 months for the four-piece. And quite rightly so.
Live Photo Credit: Andrew Future